experiment kit robotics

Best Robot Kits for Kids: Play, Build, & Learn with these Fun Robots

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Robotics is a growing industry with new developments happening at a fast pace. How can you get your kids interested in robotics? We’ve gathered some of the best robot kits for kids to get started with robotics. Whether your little one is a beginner or an aspiring engineer, we have got you covered.

These kits are fun, but they’re far more than just robot toys! Let’s explore!

Our top pick : the Makeblock mBot Ranger , offers endless possibilities with its versatile design and easy-to-use programming interface. Best Beginner Kit: For those starting their robotic journey, the LEGO Boost Creative Toolbox is the perfect beginner kit, combining the fun of building with the excitement of coding. Best Budget Kit: If you’re on a budget, the 4M Table Top Robot provides a great introduction to robotics without breaking the bank.

Choosing the Right Robot Kit for Kids

First, you should look for a kit that is age-appropriate and matches your child’s interests and abilities.

Age Appropriateness

Picking toys – especially robot kits – that are at your child’s level is important.  You want something that isn’t so simple they get bored easily, and not too challenging they get frustrated.  Play (even educational play) is supposed to be fun.

Skill Level

As an aspiring innovator, you crave a robotics kit that pushes your boundaries and unlocks your full potential. Look for kits that offer a range of difficulty levels, from beginner to advanced. These kits will provide a gradual progression, allowing you to develop your skills at your own pace.

Essential Skills Developed

These kits are designed to cultivate a range of abilities that are crucial for fostering innovation and creativity in young minds. As your child engages with these kits, they will not only enhance their problem-solving skills but also develop critical thinking, logical reasoning, spatial awareness, and programming skills.

By immersing themselves in robotics, your child will gain a solid foundation in STEM concepts and be better prepared for the challenges of the future.

Cost Considerations

When it comes to choosing a robotics kit, cost considerations are important. Tech toys can be expensive, and more advanced robots can be even pricier.  As parents, we want the best for our kids, and finding a kit that provides value for your money is crucial.  

Best Robotics Kits for Kids

One popular choice is the Makeblock mBot Ranger 3-in-1 Robot Building Kit. This kit allows kids to not only build their own robots but also program them.

If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, the 4M Table Top Robot and 4M Tin Can kits are worth considering. These kits offer a fun and educational way for kids to learn about robotics without breaking the bank.

Makeblock mBot Ranger 3-in-1 Robot Building Kit

The Makeblock mBot Ranger 3-in-1 Robot Building Kit is an excellent choice for kids interested in robotics. This kit allows young innovators to build three different robots: a robot tank, a three-wheeled racing car, and a self-balancing car. With its easy-to-use graphical programming interface, kids can quickly learn to code and control their robots. The kit also includes various sensors and modules, such as ultrasonic sensors and line-following modules, which enhance the robot’s capabilities.

To provide a deeper understanding of the kit’s features, here is a table showcasing some of its key components:

Component	Functionality
Robot Tank	Moves like a tank
Three-Wheeled Racing Car	Speeds through obstacles
Self-Balancing Car	Maintains balance while moving
Ultrasonic Sensors	Detects and measures distances
Line-Following Modules	Follows lines on the ground

Check out our full Mbot Ranger review .

LEGO Boost Creative Toolbox Building and Coding Kit (17101)

Okay – no secret that we love LEGOs, and a well executed LEGO robot kit is a no brainer. The LEGO Boost Creative Toolbox offers an interactive and engaging way for kids to start exploring robotics. This innovative kit combines the fun of building with LEGO bricks and the excitement of programming robots. With 5 different robot models and the LEGO Boost app, kids can easily learn to code and bring their creations to life.

It’s perfect for kids who crave innovation and love to explore technology and robotics. This kit includes a variety of sensors and motors, and allows you to build and code five different models, including a robot, a guitar, and even a cat! You can personalize these models by adding your own unique touch and programming them to perform various tasks.

The table below highlights some key features of the LEGO Boost Creative Toolbox:

Feature	Description
Interactive	Allows kids to code and control their creations
Engaging	Combines building with LEGO bricks and programming
Versatile	Includes five different models to build and program
Educational	Promotes problem-solving and critical thinking skills

4M Table Top Robot

Robots and tech toys are expensive! The 4M Table Top Robot kit is a budget-friendly introduction to  robotics, perfect for kids who are eager to explore the field of innovation.  It’s easily at a “giftable” price point.

The kit includes everything you need to get started, from the robot body to the motors and sensors. that allow it to navigate its surroundings, avoid obstacles, and even respond to light and sound.

This incredible robotics kit is perfect for young innovators who crave hands-on learning and want to explore the world of robotics.

Here are three reasons why the M Tin Can kit is a must-have:

Makeblock mBot Neo

One of the key features of the Makeblock mBot Neo is its programmable nature. Kids can use either Scratch or Python programming language to code and control the robot, making it an ideal platform to learn the fundamentals of coding.

Check out our full review of the mbot Neo.

Wonder Workshop Dash Robot

Dash Robot offers a user-friendly interface that allows young learners to easily program their robot using block-based coding or even create more complex programs using text-based coding.

Sphero BOLT

The Sphero BOLT comes equipped with various sensors, including an infrared sensor, compass, and light sensor, allowing it to interact with its surroundings in unique ways. It also has the ability to communicate and synchronize movements with other BOLT robots, encouraging collaborative play and problem-solving.

Elenco Teach Tech Hydrobot Arm Kit

Immerse yourself in the world of robotics with the Elenco Teach Tech Hydrobot Arm Kit . Experience the thrill of controlling a hydraulic-powered arm with precision and finesse. This innovative kit allows kids to learn about the power of hydraulics while building their own functioning robot arm.

Related post: Check out ways to introduce kids to robots and get them interested in robotics .

Wrap Up – Robotics Kits for Kids

Robotics kits for kids offer a wide range of benefits and learning opportunities. These are more than simple robot toys; these kits provide children with the chance to explore different types of robots and develop their programming and problem-solving skills.

Happy building!

If you’re interested in pursuing robotics (or know someone who has a keen interest in robots), check out our post on careers in robotics to see where it could lead!

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The best robotics kits for beginners

It all starts with lego..

By Signe Brewster

This post was done in partnership with Wirecutter . When readers choose to buy Wirecutter's independently chosen editorial picks, Wirecutter and Engadget may earn affiliate commission. Read the full guide to robotics kits for beginners .

When we tested robotics kits for beginners, the Lego Boost set won over the toughest critics: kids. And robotics pros, makers, and hobbyists agreed. With its Lego-based design, built-in sensors, and expansive options for creativity, the Boost kit was the most fun to build with. Plus, the tablet app's super-simple programming was the easiest to learn of any of the kits we tried.

Since it uses Lego pieces, the Lego Boost set is the most approachable and the easiest to figure out how to put together. It's a well-thought-out kit that a panel of child testers enjoyed as much as we did. The simple programming interface is easy to get started with, and the visual instructions allow non-readers to use and enjoy it, though more advanced programmers might find it limiting.

If our main pick is unavailable, the next-best option is the Ubtech Jimu Robot AstroBot Series: Cosmos Kit . The companion smartphone and tablet app that leads you through building and programming is the most organized and simple to learn of any we tried. The clear instructions offer a straightforward introduction to the popular Scratch programming language . The blocklike Jimu building pieces aren't as versatile as Legos, and they feel a little clunky, but they come together to build a capable robot.

If you're hungry to do as much as you can with a robotics kit, the Vex IQ Super Kit will satiate your appetite for new skills whereas simpler and less expensive kits may only be an appetizer. You can begin programming this kit with a graphical language or move up to more complex tasks using the C programming language, and the extra sensors—which can detect colors, for instance, or when the robot bumps into something—add possibilities that simple kits lack. The kit is made for educators, and as a result it has some of the most solid pieces and packaging.

Why you should trust us

When researching this guide, we interviewed three experts: Jenny Young, who owns the Brooklyn Robot Foundry makerspace; Marina Umaschi Bers, a professor of human development and computer science at Tufts University and chief scientist at KinderLab Robotics ; and Andrew Terranova, a hobby roboticist who writes about robotics kits for Makemagazine . During a second round of testing, we also tasked three children ages 9 to 11 with programming four robots and picking their favorite.

I am a journalist who has spent the past five years writing about robots—including robotics kits. I've covered everything from kit announcements to a Lego robot battle, and in the process I've developed an understanding of who these kits are for and the range of what they can do. However, I'm not a regular user of robotics kits at home, so I approached this guide as a beginner builder and programmer.

Who should get this

A robotics kit should be of interest to any parent who wishes to encourage a child's interest in the STEM fields. Schools often turn to them to teach physics or math concepts, but at home they can also serve as a creative outlet and a source of fun.

Robotics kits are diverse in form and function. Some include a premade robot paired with an open-ended programming platform, while others meticulously walk you through building a humanoid construction (or a car or a spider or whatever the shape is). Some focus on teaching how to program for the Arduino open-source computer platform, while others use dead-simple commands to make the robot move.

Based on our expert interviews and our own experiences, we believe the best robotics kits for beginners challenge you to build and program a robot in an open-ended way. You start with the task of putting together hundreds of pieces—akin to working with a Lego set with the addition of functional parts such as motors and wheels. Then you program the robot to walk, talk, or play games. Kits should guide you through the entire process during the first build, and then reveal ways to get creative with original designs or programming applications. Children (or interested adults) should learn how motors can power wheels or legs, and should complete simplified programming tasks that build a foundation of programming knowledge, before moving on to more-difficult programming languages.

The best of these kits also appeal to adults with no prior programming experience. While the most feature-rich kits are generally designed for children between the ages of 8 and 15, they are often built to grow in complexity with the child's abilities. That means adults can find value as well—whatever their level.

Children or adults who are already used to working with more-advanced programming software (or who want to jump directly into that) are likely to find the kits in this guide too basic and restrictive. Although graphical-based programming is friendlier to beginners, it also boxes you into a specific way of doing things.

Adults who have no idea if their child will take an interest in robotics should avoid these kits as a first purchase, starting instead with an inexpensive (and less capable) option such as the Insectbot Hexa or 4M Table Top Robot . That way you don't drop $150 on a kit that they quickly abandon due to disinterest or frustration. Adults should also be ready to step in and help their child at appropriate points, as some parts of building and programming a robot can be intimidating to an unsure child.

All of the robotics kits we tried require a computer or a mobile device to program the robot, so you should also make sure that the companion software is compatible with your device.

How we picked

Photo: Signe Brewster

To choose which beginner robotics kits to test, we scoured websites like Amazon for reviews and considered existing guides from publications such as Tom's Guide and Make . We also consulted our experts on the most important functions to get out of an introductory robotics kit. We used the following criteria to narrow down our list; we ended up with seven kits to test initially, and an additional four for our most recent update.

Build and program: We excluded any kits that focused solely on building or programming in favor of options that included both.

A complete package: Everything you need to build and program the robot should be contained in the box (though you will need to provide your own tablet, phone, or computer).

Excellent instructions: The directions should include a step-by-step guide to building an example robot or two, plus all the guidance a beginner needs to program the robot. This information might be provided via an instruction booklet or an app—the medium isn't too important as long as the instructions are thorough.

Open-ended structure: You can build a variety of example robots, plus designs you invent yourself.

Graphical programming software: A beginner without prior programming experience should feel comfortable jumping right in, thanks to a drag-and-drop interface or a similar programming environment.

Expandability: If you want to build more models with your kit, extra parts or expansion packs should be available for purchase.

A reasonable price: We found robotics kits available at just about any price. The cheapest kits tend to be singular in their purpose, reducing their long-term appeal. The most expensive kits, which can cost $1,000 or even more, are better suited to advanced programmers. We determined that paying roughly $85 to $300 would get you all of the ideal features in a beginner robotics kit.

How we tested

For each kit, we began by following the included instructions to build one of the suggested models. We timed the building process, and we decided that build times from 1½ to 2 hours were the most enjoyable for completing a project in a single sitting. (The 11 kits we tested took anywhere from 32 minutes to 2 hours, 38 minutes to assemble.) We also made note of the durability of the pieces and examined the thoroughness and clarity of the instructions. Most important, we considered how much fun we had building the kit. Some kits made creative play easy, with suggested further projects and accessories to personalize the robot. Others had flaws such as difficult-to-attach pieces or boring appearances that took away from the overall experience.

The Lego Mindstorms Ev3rstorm robot took 2 hours, 38 minutes, 45 seconds to build.

Next came the programming stage. We downloaded the required smartphone or tablet app or desktop software to program each robot and then went through the steps to build a basic program. We considered the difficulty level of each coding language and whether it could satisfy builders both young and old. While some apps seamlessly took us from the building stage to the programming stage, others were more difficult to grasp but allowed for more advanced programming.

For our initial round of testing in 2017, we tried seven robotics kits. In 2019, we tested four new kits against our top pick, the Lego Boost set. Our second round of testing included three kids ages 9 to 11. They spent 20 minutes programming, playing with, and breaking four robots that had been assembled in advance. The kids received no assistance from their parents, though they occasionally asked me for help.

Our pick: Lego Boost

The Lego Boost robotics kit offers the best overall experience for those with no programming experience who want to start building robots. The 847-piece kit consists of Lego pieces, so it's the most fun and the easiest to build among kits of its size, thanks to Lego's familiarity and versatility. The instructions for building and programming the robot come in a simple tablet app that even non-readers can follow. Its programmable sensors can detect movement, distance, and color. And the fact that the kit is Lego-based and any Lego block can work in a project means you have a massive opportunity for expansion right out of the box. In contrast, you can extend Lego's own Mindstorms kits using Lego's Technics simple machine parts, but doing so is a lot more complex and expensive.

To test the building experience, we put together a humanoid robot called Vernie, which took just under two hours—right at the sweet spot for the most enjoyable amount of build time.

Lego Boost robots are made of Lego pieces, which, as in standard Lego sets, are sorted into numbered bags to make them easier to find at the appropriate building stage. Photo: Signe Brewster

The Lego Boost app is compatible with a wide range of devices; you can find a full lineup on the Lego website. The app lays out building and programming instructions in an integrated curriculum. On the main screen, you begin by tapping an image of the robot you wish to build. Five suggested builds—Vernie the humanoid, a cat, a rover, a building machine, and a guitar—are included. These five amount to more than eight hours of guided building, which is on the higher end of the kits we tested; you're less likely to get bored with this kit than with others that include fewer projects.

The Boost app, shown here on a Google Nexus tablet, walks you through building a robot piece by piece. Photo: Signe Brewster

We found the Boost kit's instructions for building the robot the easiest to follow of the kits we tested. The app walked us through the steps to build Vernie piece by piece, which minimized the chances of our skipping steps and making mistakes. The standard Lego pieces are easy to work with and tough enough to withstand repeated use—other kits we tested were difficult to snap together, and some had pieces that seemed flimsy. As with standard Lego sets, the Boost pieces come grouped in numbered bags, making them especially easy to find at the right time. However, if you want to preserve this system for subsequent builds, you have to place the pieces back in the right bag every time you take a build apart.

One drawback of piece-by-piece instructions is that they don't build a deep understanding of how the robot works mechanically. Instead, the focus of the Boost set is to make it easy to customize any of the five suggested builds. After we completed Vernie, the app offered us different options for add-on builds plus related programming challenges. The number and creativity of the add-ons were unmatched among the other kits we tried, which for the most part had only enough pieces to construct the guided robot builds. Lego's more-expensive Mindstorms kit does offer add-ons, but not as many, while Vex's robot comes with some extra functional sensors.

The Lego Boost app combines building with programming for an easy-to-follow curriculum.

We made Vernie a bow tie and microphone, which unlocked programming options to make the robot sing and dance. More advanced builds, such as the cat and the guitar, unlock more sophisticated abilities for the kit's sensors. For example, you can build a mobile robot that avoids obstacles, or one that senses the location of fingers to make a Lego guitar playable. If you care more about building than programming a robot, the Boost kit might be for you—it's the best at packing a lot of satisfying projects into one kit.

As we progressed through the Boost app's building instructions and our robot came together, the app interjected short programming challenges for teaching the basics of controlling Vernie. Beginning to program the robot before it is completely built is an effective way to learn the function of each part of the robot, and which commands control what. Other robotics kits wait to introduce programming until after you've built the robot, an approach that doesn't always illustrate what commands are connected to which motors, sensors, or other robot parts.

Lego's programming language is completely graphical, which means that each command is represented by a symbol. From the main library of symbols, you can drag and drop each to create a sequence. Lego states that Boost is appropriate for ages 7 to 12, a range that's on the younger side of the kits we tested. Although the Boost app doesn't offer the fine-tuned programming options of more advanced software, you can still make the robot roll across the floor, dance, and sing. It's enough to provide hours of fun for anyone who is just looking to play with a robot.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

The Lego Boost kit is specifically aimed at beginners, so its capabilities are not as advanced as those of some of the other kits we tested. While Vernie has cute expressive eyebrows, functional treads for moving around, and a few controllable joints, the robot can't pick up objects or do as wide a variety of sensing as others we tested.

The same applies to the Lego Boost app, which is streamlined to a fault. It's not easy to just jump in and play around with programming your robot. Instead, different groups of programming abilities appear within the building instructions as you progress. After you unlock new programming challenges (certain parts of the app are locked until you graduate to harder skills) while building, you have to skip around to find the programming options you want. One of our child testers noted that he found it frustrating he couldn't skip ahead to another activity when he grew bored of the current lesson in the Boost app.

The programming environment is also ultra-simplified. Graphical programming is meant to be accessible to anyone, and it's clear Lego wanted to build software that even non-readers could use. But reducing each programming command to a symbol sometimes gets confusing: It's not clear what each symbol means, and it takes some practice to learn each symbol's purpose and how it can apply to the robot. We wish the app did a more comprehensive job of explaining how to use each command.

If you have ever used Legos, you're probably familiar with that feeling of hunting through a large pile of bricks for the one tiny piece you need. All of the Boost pieces come in numbered bags that simplify your first build, but once you take it apart the pieces get jumbled together. Panelists such as 11-year-old Za'im noted that it was very hard to find each piece the Boost app mentioned. It's a good idea to develop an organizational system.

Lego will discontinue its Windows software for Boost in January 2020, which means you need a mobile device to program any robot you build (the app isn't available for Macs, either). Although it's possible to find online PDF instructions for building the robot, Lego Boost kits are made to be programmed from a tablet (though many smartphones are a more cramped possibility). People who don't have a tablet should avoid buying the Lego Boost kit.

Runner-up: Ubtech Jimu Robot AstroBot Series: Cosmos Kit

If the Lego Boost kit is unavailable, we recommend Ubtech's Jimu Robot AstroBot Series: Cosmos Kit . Its app has the best programming interface of any we tested, and you can choose to build and program the robot in a "story" mode, which adds a plot to teach the basics of the robots and how each piece of hardware needs to be programmed. However, we didn't like building with the interlocking Jimu cubes as much as we liked building with Legos, and the Cosmos Kit comes with instructions for fewer robots.

The Jimu AstroBot app guides you through building and programming the robot, with an optional story mode that adds a plot.

Like the Lego Boost app, the Jimu app walks you through the build process piece by piece. The 400-piece Cosmos Kit mostly consists of cubes that slide together. While it can be tricky to get the orientations just right, the app shows a 3D model of the build that you can rotate to make sure you know what to do. It also offers hints at particularly tricky points.

Eight of the 11 robotics kits we tested have you use small pegs to attach components. Mounting the nonblock components of the Cosmos robot—such as its treads and hands—requires the use of these pegs, which are more difficult for small hands to assemble. (They also have a tendency to roll away and get lost, so we recommend storing them in baggies or bowls.) Also, due to Cosmos's extra features, such as its expressive eyes and grippy hands, you need more wires to attach different parts of the robot—the one mistake we made while building was mixing up which length of wire went where.

Cosmos really shines when you get to the programming stage. After we completed the build, we moved into another part of the app that allowed us to start programming Cosmos using a language based on Scratch . The benefit of using Scratch is the massive amount of documentation and educational materials available online thanks to Scratch's large and devoted community. Of the kits we tested that offered Scratch-like programming options, we found the Jimu tablet version to offer the best combination of ease of use and ability. The library of commands is organized and a snap to navigate: You combine commands by dragging and dropping on the tablet's screen. Chase, a 9-year-old test panelist, noted that each module had a clear purpose due to the use of words—no cryptic symbols (as you see in the Boost app) here.

The Jimu app makes it easy to quickly understand the robot's abilities and provides some inspiration for further programming by offering some predesigned commands: When you first enter the programming app, you can tap a command such as Clap or Sleep. Cosmos looks like Wall-E, and its programmable eyes and arms make it the most expressive robot we brought to life. That made digging into the programming possibilities especially exciting.

We tested two other Jimu robotics kits: UnicornBot and BuilderBots . We think all three are great options; if your child is especially fond of space, unicorns, or construction equipment, go with the kit that best matches their interest. You can read more about the UnicornBot and BuilderBots sets in the Competition section .

Upgrade pick: Vex IQ Super Kit

For roughly twice the price of the Lego Boost kit, the Vex IQ Super Kit gives you more advanced building and programming features that will be appealing if you want to get deeper into robotics. The kit is designed for educators, so it comes with a lot of helpful documentation and suggested uses that are better suited to experienced robot builders and programmers. Thanks to the more mature aesthetic and instructions, older kids will feel like this kit is designed especially for them. It may also be more appealing to adults new to robot building.

Offering 850-plus pieces, this Vex kit has almost the same number of pieces as the Lego Boost kit, and it comes in a tough plastic box that has a tray for holding small pieces. This is the most elegant packaging we've come across for keeping everything organized and safe—good news if you're planning to use the kit often.

We liked the Vex kit's heavy-duty box and storage tray, which speak to its reputation as a kit that's popular in schools. Photo: Signe Brewster

The Vex website has 10 suggested builds for the kit. We chose to build the Clawbot—a wheeled robot with grippers—depicted in the included instruction booklet. (The Vex website also offers animated instructions for the Clawbot robot, but for none of the other builds.) Vex provides a lot of context, including textual explanations of different build steps and the purpose of each included sensor, which helps you understand what's going on as you progress. You come out of the process knowledgeable about the name and explicit purpose of each part of the robot, something we can't say is true with the Lego Boost set. (Before choosing a build, we suggest researching the options online, as the builds have different abilities.)

The Vex kit comes with more sensors than the other kits we tested, plus a remote control. Photo: Signe Brewster

Unlike Lego Boost's simple instructions, each step of the Super Kit's instructions covers combining several pieces, making the directions more difficult to follow. The kit also has lots of similar-looking but slightly different pieces, so it's important to use the included reference sheet of full-scale labeled images to determine which piece is which. The instructions include an option to add programmable sensors, which have the most advanced capabilities of any robot sensors we tested. One sensor acts as an obstacle-detecting bumper so the robot won't run into walls. Another can detect the robot's speed and turn rate, giving it the ability to make exact, 90-degree turns. Other sensors can detect color and distance.

Once you get to the programming stage, Vex offers a suite of options, including an iPad app and desktop options for Scratch or C-based coding (which we used in testing; we didn't test on the iPad). We thought that there was more of a learning curve to start programming this robot than there was with the other options: Desktop-based Scratch applications look and feel more complicated than the simpler tablet apps that accompany another kits, and C-based programming brings a step up in complexity. The kit also comes with a game pad for quickly jumping into controlling the robot. The other kits that include direct remote-control functions offer them only via virtual buttons on a tablet screen.

The pieces of the Vex kit are difficult to snap together. Our hands felt beat up by the end of the build process; that might be a problem for children and adults with weaker hands.

The competition

Lego Mindstorms is a popular robotics kit for a reason. It offers lots of programming options and has fun accessories for building new abilities into the robot. You can also expand it with Lego Technics, so it's one of the most versatile kits available. However, it doesn't offer as streamlined a build or programming experience as Lego Boost does. If you're looking for a more advanced kit, we like the sensors and builds included in the Vex IQ Super Kit better.

The Robotis Ollobot Play 700 set was once our budget pick, but now it costs nearly as much as the Jimu line of robots. While the Ollobot Play 700 kit offers one of the widest ranges of programming options, allowing you to progress through multiple levels of difficulty, we still think the Jimu robots are more fun to build and program.

With its light-up horn and purple mane, Ubtech's Jimu Robot Mythical Series: UnicornBot Kit could be a nice alternative to the Cosmos Kit for a kid who is obsessed with unicorns. Like the Cosmos set, it comes with our favorite app for building and programming the robot, though it doesn't come with the Cosmos set's storytelling mode. However, it's limited to instructions for building the one unicorn shape; we preferred kits with more flexibility for trying different builds. We also find that unlike Lego Boost, the Jimu kits feel especially gendered; girls gravitated toward the UnicornBot, while boys identified it as "girly" or "young" (one boy then launched into an explanation of how difficult it was to overcome gender norms at his age). To us, the Cosmos Kit seems the least gendered of the three Jimu kits, but follow your gut on what your child would like best.

Similarly, the Jimu Robot BuilderBots Kit could appeal to a child who is interested in construction equipment. It comes with instructions to build vehicles that grab, scoop, and dig, which makes the robot feel more interactive. It also uses our preferred Jimu app for building and programming but doesn't have the same storytelling mode as the Cosmos Kit. "It just looks like a comedic relief character," 11-year-old Niko said during testing.

The Makeblock mBot is made up of tough, metal parts. But unlike the other kits we tried, this set doesn't come with multiple build options (though you can buy add-ons). It was a favorite of one of our experts, but it didn't feel as creative or as fun to work with in our testing. Its programming options also weren't as intuitive.

The Meccano MeccaSpider looks so impressive that one of our child testers called it their favorite robot. But neither we nor our child testers could get the app to work reliably—the robot seemed to do as it pleased and marched in circles instead of listening to our attempts at control. Programming wasn't intuitive, either. The spider does have the ability to spit water, though some parents might not see that as a bonus.

The instructions for the Thames & Kosmos Robotics Smart Machines kit provide some useful context before you start building, and the set comes with a nice-looking app, but we found it to be the most frustrating kit to put together. The instructions were confusing sometimes, the pieces didn't always fit together well, and some parts broke during the build process.

This guide may have been updated by Wirecutter . To see the current recommendation, please go here .

When readers choose to buy Wirecutter's independently chosen editorial picks, Wirecutter and Engadget may earn affiliate commissions.

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12 Best STEM Subscription Boxes – Kids Monthly STEM Boxes 2024

Who doesn’t love getting something new and exciting in the mail every month?!

Monthly STEM subscription boxes are a great way to satisfy kids’ constant need for new stimulation, without driving you crazy!

You won’t have to dream up new ideas, gather the components and spark their interest only to find you’re missing a vital ingredient for your home science experiment!

STEM boxes take away all the hassle, providing your kids (and you!) with fun engaging new activities to do every month. And the great news is that there are LOADS of excellent options available, from robotics kits to chemistry experiments, STEAM crafts to coding. There’s something to suit any interest!

To help you make an informed decision, my kids and I have analyzed more than 30 of the top STEM subscription boxes for kids available in 2024. Here are our top 12 picks!

IMAGE	PRODUCT	DETAILS
	KiwiCo
	MEL Chemistry
	Groovy Lab in a Box
	Green Kid Crafts
	STEM Discovery Boxes
	Black Girl MATHgic
	GoBox
	BitsBox
	Science Expeditions Box
	Spangler Science Club monthly science kits
	Club Scikidz Labs
	Creation Crate

Best STEM Subscription Box Reviews 2021

#1 our top pick – kiwi co.

Our Top Pick

Healthy dose of monthly surprise for your kid. Most versatile both in terms of kids age and topics; reasonably priced.

Science works best when served in small, sneaky doses, right?

That’s exactly what KiwiCo Crates do. On the surface, your kid will receive a box under their own name , containing a bunch of colorful items to complete one, two or three projects.

What they don’t know is that they’ll be learning about mechanical engineering while building a functioning claw out of wooden parts and learning valuable critical thinking skills along the way.

You know how toddlers love dinosaurs? Imagine how much fun a 4-year-old will have making a felt dino or clay fossils ! A tween or teen will also have a blast building a working mechanical clock that they can actually hang up on the wall.

Even an adult would be proud to hear the tick tock! Kiwico offer so many awesome science and engineering projects, it’s hard to choose a favorite!

You might get a little bit confused when you land on their site. Just how many different Kiwi crates are there, and what’s with all the names?

We’re calling these boxes KiwiCo here because that’s the company’s name. But these crates have expanded to different age groups over the years, and given them distinctive names: Panda, Koala, Kiwi, Atlas, and so on.

So let me tell you why I chose KiwiCo to be my #1 option.

A giant part of their appeal lies in the surprise factor. Your kid will never know what to expect in their next themed craft subscription box. 

Their #1 spot on our list is also due to the fact that the projects are expandable. With every box, you’ll get a magazine that offers even more STEM project ideas (plus there are always more extras on their site).

It’s like getting multiple boxes in a single box!

Another amazing thing is that these boxes contain very little plastics. You’ll get a bunch of elements made of wood, cardboard, felt, yarn, textile, as well as non-toxic fluids for chemistry experiments. (My wife, a committed environmentalist, especially appreciated this.)

Oh, and shipping is free in the US!

And now to the downsides.

If you want to prepay for a full year, you’ll have to dish out $203.40 for the cheapest lines, all at once. (Eureka and Maker Crates are more expensive, starting at $24.95 per month, which works out to $299.40.)

You can opt to get a special book with each monthly subscription box, but they are also charged extra.

And here’s another minus.

While your kid will build functioning things that they can actually use or play with further, these things won’t last long. The materials are not heavy-duty, and you can’t expect a cardboard robot to take much of a beating!

Note that you can turn off your auto-renewing subscription any time so that it doesn’t renew automatically, but you can’t cancel it in the middle of a cycle . You’ll just get the rest of your crates that you prepaid for, and then your subscription will simply expire.

Kiwi Crate Box Options (Age Groups):

• Panda Crate (0-2 years) – Explore and Discover
• Koala Crate (2-4 years) – Play & Learn
• Kiwi Crate (5-8 years) – Science, Art & More
• Atlas Crate (6-11 years) – Geography & Culture
• Doodle Crate (9-16+ years) – Create & Craft
• Tinker Crate (9-16+ years) – Science & Engineering
• Maker Crate (14-104 years!) – Art & Design
• Eureka Crate (14-104 years!) – Engineering & Design

They’ve covered ALL age brackets – even monthly subscription boxes for toddlers and babies!	Even though comparatively cheap, it’s still a lot of money if you subscribe for longer periods
A perfect marriage between STEM learning and fun	Materials are not very durable
The least expensive pick
Your kid will make functioning items that they can use
Materials and supplies are (relatively) eco-friendly
Wide coverage of STEM disciplines
Expandable projects, a bunch of free tutorials and ideas

#2 Top Science Box – MEL Chemistry

Top Science Box

MEL Chemistry

Tons of safe, colorful and gooey chemistry experiments. Kids can do them independently or with your help

Safety goggles? Check. Protective gloves? Check.

Buckle up for an exciting ride with LOTS of colorful reactions!

MEL offers three types of STEM subscription boxes for kids: Chemistry, Physics, and the more interdisciplinary MEL Kids. These are real monthly science kits for kids!

But when I say MEL, I mean chemistry . 

(And it’s NOT a bias at work, even though yours truly holds a PhD in organic chemistry!) 

The recommended age for this discovery box is 10 to 16 and up, with more specific age brackets for each experiment. Every experiment is designed for at-home use and is very safe. After all, bigger kids are old enough that you can trust them with all of the substances and solutions, unless there’s a toddler tagging along.

Still, I’d be around if I were you . Some of the experiments include flames, so it’s safer to supervise. 

Unlike KiwiCo crates, MEL Chemistry boxes don’t tap into the engineering and construction side of STEM. But they don’t have to! Various liquids that change colors and states, grow, fizz and hiss, are a true treat for curious eyes and there is tons of opportunities for kids to flex their critical thinking skills and learn the scientific method.

One question you may be asking is “Why pay $26 or more every month when you can do kitchen science experiments for free with your child?”

Well, to be honest, this is what I thought for a long while. I mean, I trained as a chemist – I should be able to come up with awesome experiments for my kids, right?

Sounds good in theory, but in practice, it’s hard to find the time to think up fun and varied experiments, let alone find the many ingredients and equipment, plus make sure there are genuine learning outcomes!

Besides the tin hedgehog experiment shown above, popular projects include Galaxy in a bottle, rainbow-colored milk, chemical reefs, crystal growing and many more. You can use the mobile app or website to dig deeper into key concepts, plus there are weekly science videos with their top-notch educators.

You can pause or cancel your subscription any time – there’s no lock-in contract.

However, if you really want to keep your young chemists happy for many hours of science experimentation, you can get some great discounts by pre-paying for several months of the subscription service in advance.

This educational subscription box has only one con that I’ve noticed. Some experiments rely on having common household items or ingredients that can’t be transported easily in the kits, like hydrogen peroxide solution. Still, there weren’t many items not included in the kits and they are easily sourced.

Best kits for chemistry, with excellent curriculum	You don’t get everything you need for the experiments
All experiments are safe (although it’s still good to supervise)	Get ready for a lot of creative mess
Carefully planned and thought out (unlike your kitchen science experiments)
There are many free tutorials and ideas online, plus there’s a mobile app
The company improves their service all the time

#3 Best for Independence – Groovy Lab in a Box

Best for Independence

Groovy Lab in a Box

It guides them to a certain point, then lets them find the solutions on their own

Just like KiwiCo and MEL Science kits, Groovy is basically a monthly box with tools, supplies and instructions kids need to learn STEM by doing and making.

What’s different, however, is that their science and engineering projects offer tiered STEM learning . 

At first, your kid will get hand-holding through the main investigative STEM activity. There’s a guide to help them every step of the way.

But the next tier requires more independence (and fosters some in turn). It’s the so-called Engineering Design Challenge, which they will be able to complete ONLY if they understood all the scientific concepts!

And there’s no manual or tutorial to turn to.

Another thing I really liked about Groovy is the lab notebook, which contains 20-something pages of illustrations and instructions for the month’s activities, but also has dedicated space for journaling and recording their progress .

As a scientist myself, I know how important it is to take meticulous notes about your progress throughout a project, for at least two reasons:

• Notes help the brain acquire and understand new information. The only way to do it is to pin it down to paper! I’ve had countless “A-HA” moments while reading my notes, and even countless-er solutions that had stared me right in the face. But they had a paper from which to stare!
• Taking notes instils patience and systematic approach in a young learner. Plus, it takes time. And more time spent on task fosters more commitment and the feeling you’re personally invested in the project!

My daughter really made these lab notebooks her own and decided to keep them! I bet she’s going to have a blast one day when she finds them tucked away in the basement. 

Now, which part of STEM does Groovy target exactly?

All four and more! There are many so-called STEMist Series to choose from: robotics, coding, chemistry, electrical and mechanical engineering… But all of them will tackle at least one other field. After all, modern STEM curriculums are always interdisciplinary.

For example, an astronomy project (building a rocket that travels to the Moon) will also teach your kid some physics (Newton’s laws).

I hear you asking for downsides.

Well, this one is commonplace: don’t get your expectations too high about the materials . Cardboard items, sheets of colorful paper, disposable cups, balloons – chances are, these items won’t see much life past the completion of a project.

The second thing I don’t like is that they’ve put up a paywall around their online materials . 

And that’s a bit weird in this day and age.

IMHO, every company that sells educational products should offer something for free. How about some open-source culture?

Also, my eco-minded wife wasn’t thrilled about the materials (many of which are made from the cheapest plastic that makes her cringe).

Encourages independence more than other kits	Materials not very durable or eco-friendly
Has a lab notebook to record their progress and results	Online materials are only available to subscribers
Choose from many STEMist series with different themes
Their engineering design challenges rock!

#4 Artsy-Craftsy-Greensy Pick – Green Kid Crafts

Artsy-Craftsy-Greensy Pick

Green Kid Crafts

“Greener” STEAM themes and supplies; boxes include everything you need.

When you hear that a company behind a monthly STEM subscription box was founded by a climate scientist, you know that you can expect LOTS of green!

(My wife says hello.)

And indeed, this fun subscription box is different from all others in that you won’t get piles of plastics with every new delivery. Truth be told, there will be SOME of it, but not nearly as much as with some other options. They also use reusable and recyclable materials, so they don’t turn into yet another piece of waste to hit the landfill.

But it’s not just about the disposables. Green Kid Crafts is also much more geared towards environmental science and activism , with a bunch of green projects such as rainforests, deserts, oceans and other habitats and ecosystems.

But that isn’t to say that there are eco projects ONLY. For example, we got a box with projects to make erupting volcanoes, crystals and gems.

They also plant a tree whenever someone places an order.

(If I were them, I’d plant one anyway, though.)

But the pros of this subscription box go beyond ecological concerns. Each box will contain ALL the supplies your kid needs for 4-8 activities.

No need to dig around the kitchen! 

Or run to the store to buy a pack of 6 batteries because the two that you need for the project have grown legs and magically disappeared.

Each box will also contain a STEM magazine, which expands every month’s theme through activities, puzzles, and outside resources. With the optional literary upgrade, kids also get an additional book per month, which is in line with that month’s theme.

The most significant downside I’ve noticed is that these boxes aren’t always very educational. Some projects will merely entertain your kid.

For example, the Detective Science box includes some fun activities such as sending secret messages or taking fingerprints. My kid enjoyed those, but I couldn’t really see any scientific rationale behind it.

Green packages, projects, materials	There’s still SOME plastics
They include the A in STEAM too	Not the cheapest option
Boxes have all supplies	Sometimes, it boils down to mere entertainment
Less plastics
4-8 activities per box
They cater to kids as young as 2

#5 Best for Whole Family – STEM Discovery Boxes

Best for Whole Family

STEM Discovery Boxes

Choose from ready-made kits or customize them; all supplies included.

What’s one of the most obsessive activities for kids?

Why slime, of course.

Frankly, I can’t blame STEM Discovery Boxes for leveraging this age-old fascination. (The only problem is, other subscription boxes do it too. Oh, well…)

Apart from slime, there are also bath bombs and bouncy balls on the menu, among countless other treats. 

That’s a lot of potential for creative mess and even greater potential for fun family bonding! (Especially in peeling that slime off the wall.)

Unlike KiwiCo, Groovy or Green Kids Crafts, this monthly science box has a more limited age range – between 7 and 12 years old.

(They say “7 to teen”. But if you’re a parent to a teenager, you’ll know how much their interests and capacities change within months. So I decided to take the “teen” to be 12.)

Projects include things like creating a solar system model, coding, building a solar-powered fan or a hydraulic excavator, and playing with lasers. It includes everything you need for the projects and experiments, including batteries.

However, this also means that children might receive projects that they aren’t very interested in from time to time . This box also includes more projects per month than most others, though it is a bit more expensive as well, starting at $24.95 (if you choose a 12-month plan).

So, is there anything that singles out this box from all others?

Yep! Whether you’re a homeschooling parent or a teacher, you can order a custom STEM kit with an appropriate curriculum. I didn’t try out this option so I can’t tell you whether it’s more expensive than the regular subscription, though.

Finally, there’s one thing I really wish they would improve on: their website .

In 2024, an educational site should offer way more value than just telling you that they have a product here, and you can order it there.

You’d think you can get a sneak peek into their projects, but all you’ll get is one picture for each project. They don’t even tell you what it is!

So, if anyone from the company is reading this, please make a better site! 

They tap into kids’ tested and proven interests	Very limited age range (7 to 12)
They always include all supplies, even batteries	Not much extra value
3 projects per month is less than some, but more than most
You can order custom kits

#6 Best GRL PWR Box – Black Girl MATHgic

Best GRL PWR Box

Black Girl MATHgic

Empowers girls for math & STEM; awesome themes, quality items

Most of us know this, but it doesn’t hurt to hear it AGAIN.

Women are heavily underrepresented in STEM, especially women of color. To even start tackling this problem, we have to usher in a paradigm shift , to show and tell our girls that they are good enough for STEM, and STEM is good enough for them !

So the first thing I love about this subscription box is that it’s in line with my mission to encourage and empower my daughter to freely choose her path in life.

And we know that math is the most common boogeyman. With STEM activities for third through eighth grades, Black Girl MATHgic was designed to boost the girls’ confidence in their own math abilities. 

Everything about the box works with that mission in mind: from packaging to messaging. It’s not just a great STEM box, it’s one of the best subscription boxes for girls with an interest in math.

You’ll receive TWO booklets: one for the girl, another for you.

The kid’s booklet contains all the activities for the month. On the other hand, the Adult Guide will help you muddle through the box alongside her.

And it does make sense to include a parent or another adult into these activities. When society has been telling you for centuries that you aren’t good enough for math, you need all the support you can get to BREAK this vicious cycle of doubt and negative reinforcement. 

Each month’s activities are themed. We’ve seen themes of expats, algebra, yoga/relaxation, family, business, road tripping, etc. Better yet, they have an option to choose from various themes, so you can buy a one-time gift for your girl to dip her toes and try a different way of doing mathematics .

For example, the Road Tripping Box include a bunch of themed real-life scenarios that tackle math through: 

• traveling via plane through different time zones
• planning your budget (buckle up for some algebra!)
• a mini globe squeeze ball that you can use afterwards too
• a set of high-quality magnetic wooden blocks (similar to what I’ve seen in Tegu ) for learning geometry, etc.
• a tote and stickers (no real value except that they’re cool and kids are always into those)

Plus, each box features a woman mathematician, with her bio and interview. Sometimes, you may even get a full-blown book. We were so sorry we missed the July 2020 box which contained the amazing novel “One Crazy Summer” by the award-winning author Rita Williams-Garcia!

(Bought the book afterwards, though.)

These boxes are known not only for including exciting math puzzles and activities to engage your child and expose her to great role models, but for adding stickers and clothing items and other accessories to remind her of her potential far after she’s done with the activities.

To personalize the box and add another layer of surprise for your girl, you can leave her name when offering. They’ll put up a sticker with her name onto the box.

Bottom line! Two greatest pros of this option: it’s specialized for math, and it’s geared towards girls of color (although any girl OR boy will enjoy it). 

The biggest cons are limited age range and the price , which starts at $39.95 for a one-timer and jumps up to $45.95 if you want a particular theme.

Empowering girls (especially of color) for STEM	Only for 3rd to 8th grades
Activities focused on real-life scenarios	It’s on the costlier side
High-quality, reusable items	Math isn’t the sole focus (though this can be a pro too)
Affirmative messaging (stickers and cards)
Black history, with a featured female mathematician every month
Also good for adults that aren’t very much into math

#7 Best Robotics Box – GoBox

Best Robotics Box

Build and code a different robot every month while learning Python programming!

Fancy getting a robot car and a new mission for it every month?

Although certainly one of the more expensive subscription boxes for kids, GoBox will walk your child through the entire process of building and programming one robot per month. 

This is one of our favorite STEM subscription boxes for emphasizing all four STEM subjects: Science, Technology, Engineering and Math.

If you’re anything like me, you might frown at the price.

But hear this.

This robot subscription is definitely worth every penny, as each box contains considerably more than one month’s worth of STEAM projects material . 

And the deterring price of $159 is a one-off purchase. Each monthly pack of sensors is only $20. (If you already have the robot, you can only subscribe for missions and sensors .

First off, you’ll get the GoPiGo robot car itself. Actually, it’s a bunch of parts for your kid to assemble: a plastic chassis, a Raspberry Pi microcontroller, micro SD card, motors, wheels and screws. 

No worries if neither of you is adept at DIY-ing things. There’s a detailed tutorial here !

The robot runs on a dedicated GoPiGo OS and lets the kid code in 2 languages: the visual, drag-and-drop Bloxter, and the high-and-mighty Python ! So your young’un can do the basics and then proceed with advanced programming.

That’s what I was talking about when I said that this box is worth every penny.

Next up, your kid will get a new set of sensors and new missions every month. For example, program the robot to explore Mars by detecting temperature, avoiding obstacles, detecting the amount of light needed for solar energy… As you may imagine, the child will also learn quite a lot about Mars and some NASA technology too!

Other missions include programming the robot to detect whenever a new person arrives at the house so you could help a friend with hearing difficulties. Or deliver mail and sort through it by detecting different colors. Or detectnoise and earthquakes!

So not only are kids tasked with designing, building, and programming their bot, but they have specific tasks they must accomplish with it as well!

Kids don’t need ANY previous programming experience. Each STEM box comes with a series of missions, a robotic car update, and an instructions manual to guide your child through the engineering design process and coding projects.

***UPDATE MAY 2021*** 

While updating this article, I checked and saw that the product was out of stock. Bummer!

My first thought was that they discontinued this box. So I reached out to their support, and they promptly responded that they’re definitely going to restock within a couple of weeks. So, if the same happens to you, worry not!

Covers all coding levels, from beginner to pro	Pretty expensive to begin with
2 programming languages: visual Bloxter and text-based Python	May go out of stock occasionally
All lessons freely available on their website
Missions and sensors are very affordable
Fast customer support

#8 Best Coding Box – BitsBox

Best for Coding

A complete coding beginner will learn to make their own apps every month!

Are you harboring the next Steve Wozniak in your home?

(Or garage, or basement? Coz that’s where computer scientists like to hang out.)

BitsBox offers a monthly computer science project. 

With NO coding experience required, BitsBox will supply your kid with regular app coding projects to teach them to code in a seamless way, without getting their head to burst. The coding is all done in a browser, so it works on a mobile device too.

Here’s the gist of it: your kid chooses from a host of simple to advanced projects that come with every box. Then they use the BitsBox website to code an app from scratch. Finally, they use their smartphone or tablet to test (or share!) their new app.

There are instructions and guides, but the child can customize their code and really make each app their own .

That’s “learning by making” and open-ended play if I ever saw one!

Every project is in fact a card. As the kid completes them, they can lock the cards into the colorful binder they got in the first package, and proudly watch the pile grow.

The projects are also insanely fun even for adults. To get a taste of it, you can see for yourself how it works by writing a few lines of code on their coding page.

One of the best parts of this subscription is that you can tailor the amount of screen time you’re willing to allow your kid . 

For those on a budget, BitsBox Basic may be an ideal starting point, in which children get all of the fun of a BitsBox app projects, but WITHOUT the monthly mystery toy. 

On the other end of the spectrum is BitsBox Deluxe, which includes all of the app activities of the previous box, but with hands-on kits to bring the work you are doing in your apps to life in your living room!

Before we gave this box a try, I thought it would be visual programming, with languages like Scratch.

Wrong! You actually get text-based JavaScript coding that teaches you the real underlying structure for different programming languages. Even though Python is all the rage now, JavaScript is still the most pervasive language on the web, and it isn’t likely to go away any time soon!

Still, I wish they’d expand to some other languages too.

And before you frown at the starting price of $37.95 for the Deluxe package, think about how much you’d have to shell out for programming classes every month.

And now to the downsides. Preschoolers or 1st-graders are definitely old enough to dip their toes into programming. But 13-year-olds are not TOO old ! In fact, no one is too old to learn coding.

And BitsBox, alas, doesn’t seem to cater to teens.

Text-based programming made fun	Only caters to 6-12 kids age
Two or more kids can share OR play independently	Only teaches JavaScript
You can test for free
No prior knowledge needed
Any computer or mobile device will do
Free shipping in the US

#9 Best for Problem Solving – Little Passports Expeditions Box

Best for Problem Solving

Little Passports Expeditions Box

Solve very real scenarios and build working models to play with further!

Before we dive into this option, let’s get one thing out of the way.

Little Passports have a variety of offerings for kids as young as 3 all the way up to 12, and they have separate boxes for science but also geography, world culture, and the U.S. They also have a bunch of other one-off gifts and toys, all of them related to STEAM.

However, we only tested their Science Expeditions box for 8 years and up, so I can’t speak to the other editions.

So is there anything special about this monthly STEM subscription box?

For starters, it’s geared towards natural science. The monthly themes include forensics, hydrology, rockets, crystals, caves, aerodynamics, stars and planets.

Every theme features real-life scenarios and mysteries , so your kid can have their fill of pretend play while learning basic science concepts and flexing their critical thinking skills.

Each box in this STEAM subscription includes a comic book with a glossary and activities, a mystery to solve, a hands-on science experiment and project, and achievement badges for each month to boost their self-confidence. 

Each shipment is themed for the interest of various children, with STEAM projects, such as forensic science, caves and crystals, hydrology, and rockets.

Some of the experiments are just amazing and the kid will build functioning models of a marble run, kaleidoscope, hydraulic arm, pinball machine. 

But! (There’s always a but…) 

The materials are often pretty fragile and won’t take much of a beating.

As with some other subscription boxes, they won’t send you everything you need either, which can be frustrating. 

For example, the first kit you’ll receive is about forensics . We had salt, dish soap, measuring tape, paper scraps at home. As a chemist, I had isopropanol for DNA extraction, but I doubt everyone does. What we didn’t have, however, was red tempera for the spatter tests.

(We also lacked a piece of newspaper. Who reads print newspapers these days?)

It’s not so much about the extra couple of bucks I had to spend. It’s about the added hassle of going out when a subscription box should be about convenience.

By the way: from what I’ve seen on their Facebook page , their Science Junior subscription has many interesting projects too. If you already tested it, drop us a note and tell us about your experience!

There are multiple editions to choose from	Materials are cheap
The comic book with activities and glossary can serve as keepsake too	You won’t get everything you need for the experiments
They have video tutorials and printables for each experiment
Some experiments are super interesting (e.g. marble run)
You can cancel anytime

#10 Best for Busy Little Bees – Spangler Science Club

Best for Passionate STEM-ers

Spangler Science Club

Provides enough resources and projects to play every single day!

There is a reason Steve Spangler Science has been so successful providing monthly science kits for kids since 1995. 

They promise to spark creativity and science learning in your little one, and do this through high-quality, research-based science subscription boxes.

Spangler Science Club boxes come with up to TEN science experiments to use every month.

You read that right! It will allow your child to rotate their learning interests every THREE days! 

It’s going to satisfy even the STEM-hungriest kids. And there are lots of experiments fit for the science fair too.

Each Steve Spangler Science box comes with a comprehensive guide, and the deluxe box comes with a “Take it Further” guide. This guide allows you to extend what you are learning with your Spangler Science Club box into a science fair project!

With continuity of science learning in mind, the best part of this Steve Spangler Science subscription is that if you subscribe for a whole year, you will be sent enough equipment to start your own in-home science laboratory ! 

Together with the high number of experiments per month, this makes Steve Spangler Science Club one of the best value for money STEM subscription boxes for hands-on science.

Unfortunately, there are caveats here too.

I’ll just say one word.

Freakin’ slime. Yes, kids love it. But almost ALL subscription boxes offer slime activities, and at a price that’s much higher than you would spend at a dollar store.

There’s also quite a bit of plastics for my wife’s taste.

10 experiments per month	Pretty narrow age group
Very affordable for what it offers	Lots of cheap plastics
The experiments are research based
A year’s worth of subscription = a whole lab in your house
The Deluxe box includes science fair experiments

#11 Bang for Your Buck – Club SciKidz Labs

Most Bang for Your Buck

Club SciKidz Labs

A whopping 25 activities, big and small; some of the projects are unique

Similar to Spangler Science, Club SciKids Labs participants will be sent the materials to build their own laboratory for endless home science experiments. However, Club SciKidz subscription boxes come with a wealth of extra materials for your child to enjoy. 

In fact, there’s up to 25 small experiments and activities in each box ! That’s a LOT of fun, and your kid can do it every day if they want. Spangler Science is certainly one of the best subscription boxes for kids with a large appetite for new activities!

Each Club SciKids box comes with science experiments, engineering projects, nature crafts, lab equipment, micro STEM activities and observations, secret formulas, science quotes and riddles, inspiring scientists, science surprises, and science stories.

As with all other picks, the longer your subscription, the less you’ll pay, starting with $32.95 per box if you choose the yearly plan . That’s a bit more expensive than most other options, so let’s see what you’ll get!

Some of the themes include the seen-one-you’ve-seen-them-all kits. (Not that it’s bad, mind you!) 

So, for example, you’ll get boxes that teach the kid forensics, geology, robotics, chemistry.

But there are unique projects too. For example, one thing I didn’t notice in any of the other subscription boxes is a Veterinary Medicine Kit, which teaches kids how to use first aid on their dog, lets them perform an experiment to detect yeast in the pup’s ears, AND teaches them how to make an ear solution.

My daughter was especially thrilled about this box because she’s basically BFFs with our dog. She immediately began to use the stethoscope on him! 

(Took a while to explain that we’ll still have to take him to the vet when he gets ill.) 

Boys (and many girls too) will especially ENJOY the boxes that examine science of gross things, and science of spooky things. 

So if you need a one-off gift for a kid, that’s where I’d start if I were you. Dookie cookies, cow burps, bacteria bungalows, bird barfs, chewable brain gummies – what’s there not to love?!

What’s more, the theme isn’t grossology for the sake of being gross. Through playing with these eewy stuff, your kid will learn about different animals, a bit of chemistry through growing microbes in a Petri dish, the real reason why washing your hands is important (how relevant during a pandemic!), and so on.

Each box will contain a BUNCH of items, so your kid will likely need your help in sorting them and figuring out what they need for each activity.

Apart from the fact that they cater to children’s existing interests, what I really like is that every box comes with an activity booklet that contains instructions, fun facts, experimental designs to nudge your kid to posit different hypotheses. 

If your kid really gets into SciKidz labs, you can pay $76.95 and register them for the Virtual STEAM Academy Program with the theme of your choosing. The price includes getting a corresponding box, plus four 45-minute classes with their educators.

They leverage kids’ existing interests (e.g. vet science, gross and spooky things)	It’s on the costlier side
Great value for the money	As one-time purchases, some boxes are more expensive than others
You get all the materials you need	No options for preschoolers
Items are better quality than most other options
Very responsive and efficient customer service
They also offer classes with their educators

#12 Best for Electronics – Creation Crate

Best for Electronics

Creation Crate

Very unique projects consisting of electronic circuitry and coding; they will challenge your kid at all times!

Learn electronics, circuitry and Arduino coding while creating a LIFETIME’s worth of working devices to keep in your home with the Creation Crate ! 

Recommended for children ages 12 and up, this award-winning subscription box heavily focuses on electrical circuits and coding projects . It is atop pick in subscription boxes for teens who are looking for a more serious challenge.

In a way, it’s like GoBox for electronics (and with Arduino-compatible UNO R3 instead of Raspberry Pi , which is why it’s also waaaay CHEAPER).

And it does make sense that they decided to specialize. Tweens and younger teens already know what they don’t know. 

(At any rate, they know what they do and don’t like.)

Each box from Creation Crate, or project, as they are called, comes with ALL of the needed components to build that month’s project: video tutorials, manuals, and over-the-phone support where needed. 

The STEM projects include a mood lamp that changes color in the dark, memory game, a functional LED clock, a theremin (instrument) . 

They’re quite a design challenge but require no previous experience. They’re also extremely rewarding for kids in the target audience (and to be honest, their parents too). 

And from an educational point of view, Creation Crate is great for kids to learn the engineering design process.

The first task in each box is assembling the electronic circuit for whatever project is on your plate. Which, frankly, isn’t very difficult thanks to their step-by-step tutorials.

Then, you proceed with coding in Arduino, that is C and C++ languages. There’s much hand-holding here too, but you need to be patient. Every little detail makes a difference!

For example, my son got pretty disheartened when it turned out that his Mood Lamp didn’t work. It could mean two things: either he did something wrong in hooking the wires up, or he messed up the code!

But he managed to troubleshoot it on his own, and was twice as motivated when he saw it working.

What blew me away was the fact that they really like to bring it to the next level by stimulating open-ended play. If you expand the project or customize it, and send them a short video of your project, you may get some nice free rewards!

They introduced this a couple of years ago, which tells me they are a company that’s really committed to education and improving their products.

Subscriptions for 3, 6 or 12 months will also get bonus gifts such as component case, digital multimeter, and soldering kit.

And here’s another huge plus. Unlike many other STEM subscription boxes, Creation Crate includes STEM projects that get more and more challenging as the monthly subscription progresses.

It means that your child will NEVER outgrow them and will remain continually challenged! 

If your kid is super enthusiastic about this, you can treat them to a so-called Challenger Project. These come in phases and are NOT for beginners. 

For example, the kid will build a digital clock one month. Next month, they’ll get to transform it into an alarm clock. The final phase is the trickiest: make it a puzzle alarm clock, so you have to solve a puzzle for it to stop ringing!

As always, we’ve noticed a couple of downsides.

First off, they don’t cater to younger kids . This one’s no biggie because there are a bunch of other options for toddlers, preschoolers, and elementary schoolers.

Secondly, I wish they’d offer at least some of their courses for free. UNO R3 microcontrollers are dirt cheap, as well as other components such as breadboards, cables, wires, resistors, LEDs. Some people may already have them, so it would be really nice to give them a taste of Creation Crate’s awesome curriculums and projects for free.

And it wouldn’t cost them much either. Most buyers prefer to get everything they need in one place, so they’d buy the kits anyway.

Also, unlike with most of their competitors, Creation Crate charges $4.99 shipping in the US and a whopping $8.99 outside the US. So you need to factor this in when making your purchase decision.

Award-winning box	No boxes for kids younger than 12
Specializes in electronics and coding	Online courses not available for free
Great for all knowledge levels, from beginners to pros	Shipping isn’t free!
Excellent support – you can call them for anything
Reasonably priced for what it offers
Great gift idea for adults too

So What’s the Deal With STEM Boxes?

Feel free to skip this if you’re a seasoned STEM box-er.

But for those of you who are new to these boxes, they are like a monthly surprise box that always contains a new STEM kit. What you get are hands-on science experiments and activities, the equipment needed to perform them, and instructions to help you along the way.

There are two keywords here: MONTHLY and HANDS-ON.

The first one guarantees that just as your child gets fed up with one activity, a new one will be en route to you . Not one of your child’s existing 247 toys will do that!

(After just one month, my two older kids started countdowns to delivery time, expecting and anticipating what they’d get next. The surprise moment is half the thrill!)

The second keyword means that a STEM box subscription takes the pressure off of you . 

As you juggle work, chores, taking the dog for a walk and spending time with your kids, it takes time and the right headspace to come up with ideas for play AND source the materials AND guide them through the projects.

A good STEM box should do all of that.

But there’s a bonus aspect that I really appreciate here. STEM boxes are gender neutral, and not just because they don’t come in blue and pink.

They are gender-neutral because they posit that STEM is for girls as well as boys , and everyone is talented and smart enough for STEM.

If you’re looking for a buyer’s guide, hop on to the lower half of this article!

What to Consider When Buying STEM Subscription Boxes for Kids

Factor #1: How Old is 9 to 99 Years?

Don’t buy into the “suitable for 3 to 99 years” taglines.

That might be true in some cases.

But more often than not, it means that YOU will need to step in and supervise your kid some if not most of the time.

Which beats the purpose if what you wanted was independent, fully immersed play.

So, if you are ordering these boxes to be a fun activity for the whole family, there’s nothing wrong with an all-ages box. But if you’re aiming for a collection of projects that your kid will be able to do on their own, read the age labels carefully .

And sprinkle them with a grain of salt because the child will probably need your help , at least occasionally.

Factor #2: What’s in Your STEM Box?

There are four things in STEM: Science Technology Engineering and Math. (And optionally, Art.)

A STEM box usually contains interdisciplinary projects. But some options may focus on a single discipline like coding, chemistry, or engineering.

So, before you opt for any of these boxes, define your goal . You’re already familiar with your kid’s interests. Do you want them to build things (and tear them apart)?

Or merely get them to spend their time more productively while having fun?

Or maybe you want STEM with an artistic twist, a.k.a. STEAM?

Once you know what types of STEM activities they like and pair that with what you think they could benefit from, you’ll be better able to select the box that best meets their needs.

Another concern: some boxes will contain EVERYTHING the kid needs to complete the projects. Others will rely on household items you may (or may not) have around the house. So keep that in mind too!

Factor #3: How Much Are You Willing to Spend?

STEM crates vary in price range from $17 to $150 per month, and beyond . 

And there are good reasons for such a wide range of prices! These boxes cater to everyone, from those just looking for some afternoon fun, to those looking to seriously invest in their kid’s future science career.

You should also be aware that the length of subscription may save you some cash ! As with anything, the longer you subscribe (and prepay) for, the cheaper it is on a monthly basis.

Factor #4: What Happens If I Cancel?

If you’re prepaying for more than one month, you’ll want to know if this is a company that won’t make a fuss if you want to cancel your subscription at the middle of a billing cycle. 

Will they give you at least some of your money back? It all depends on their individual policies. So before you commit to a longer subscription cycle, make sure to read the fine print on their website!

The general rule of thumb is not to commit with a longer subscription until your kid gets a taste of their projects .

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a STEM Subscription Box?

It depends on whom you ask.

For parents, STEM subscription boxes are a magic recipe for learning, fun, and screen-free time. They are also a way out of the vicious cycle of chasing the latest STEM toy just to see it tossed away into the cat’s litter box after one hour of play .

For kids, they are surprise boxes that contain new projects and activities that are sometimes exciting, and other times less so.

Because let’s face it: even the best subscription box won’t be incredibly new and fresh every single month.

Still, all of the above options are very good, even excellent, MOST of the time.

How do I select the best STEM Subscription Box?

There is no box that fits the needs of every family! Subscription boxes for teens will be different to monthly subscription boxes for toddlers!

When deciding to subscribe to a STEM box, consider your reason for subscribing (to teach or to entertain, for example), your budget, and the amount of time you plan to spend on the box per month. You may also consider your child’s interests, and perhaps how to support them to develop a love of STEM. For example, girls can often feel left out by products with male-centric imagery. Choosing subscription boxes for girls where the theme and images are inviting can be a great way to foster their confidence.

Some boxes will need you to supervise (even if they claim they won’t). With others, you’ll have to troubleshoot when something goes wrong – and trust me, it will. Yet others will require you to get the common household supplies that didn’t come included in the package (e.g. vinegar, baking soda, dish soap).

All of the boxes on my list are designed very safely and will provide enough guidance that the kid can complete the majority of projects on their own. But it never hurts to stick around!

How do I use a monthly STEM Box?

Again, there is no one-size-fits-all answer here. 

If you only intend to entertain your child with an educational toy for a few hours, feel free to dazzle them with the contents of the box and then allow them independent time to explore! 

On the flip side, if you select something as immersive as a programming box, you may wish to sit down and ensure your child understands the instructions before they venture out on their own. 

Either way, the right monthly science kit for kids in your house depends on their interests, your child’s threshold for frustration, and the amount of time you have on your hands .

Last update on 2024-09-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Mark is the driving force behind STEM Geek. With 20 years of experience in chemistry education and research, and 3 willing children as guinea pigs, Mark has a passion for inspiring kids and adults to combine fun and learning with STEM Toys!

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My Robotic Pet - Tumbling Hedgehog

is backordered and will ship as soon as it is back in stock.

Product Description

Build your own adorable robotic pet hedgehog! With the 172 building pieces in this kit, you can assemble a real robot that looks like a cute hedgehog. The robot has a built-in sound sensor and is programmed to react to different sounds. After you build it, you can play with it by making different sounds and watching it tumble, roll, spin around, bristle its spines, and scurry around. Clap once, and the hedgehog will roll into a ball and tumble backwards. Clap multiple times, and the hedgehog will count your claps and tumble as many times as you instructed with your claps. You can also get the hedgehog to bristle its spines and act in a playful way with different patterns of claps. The hedgehog’s eyes light up with LEDs. By building the robot, you will gain experience in the inner mechanical workings that enable the robot to move how it does. Learn about gears, motors, sound sensors, LEDs, and the other components of these funny little pet.

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Product Information

Ages: 7-14 Experiments: 5 Piece Count: 172 Manual Pages: 40 Product Dimensions: 10 x 13 x 4.7 in. Product Weight: 1.7 lbs Manual Dimensions: 5.5 x 8.25 in. Batteries Required: AAA (4)  Country of Origin: Taiwan  Year Released: 2019

2019 – ASTRA Best Toys for Kids Winner (Science & Discovery category) The Toy Insider's 2019 STEM 10 List 2020 - Toy of the Year finalist (Construction Toy category)

NGSS Correlations

3-PS2-1 Motion and Stability: Forces and Interaction 3-PS2-2 Motion and Stability: Forces and Interaction 4-PS3-2 Energy 4-PS4-3 Waves and Their Applications in Technologies for Information Transfer

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Electric Motor Robotic Science Kits for Kids (4-in-1), DIY STEM Toys Kids Science Experiment Kits,Building Educational Robotics Kit for Boys and Girls,Circuit Engineering Science Project Kits

• FUN INSPIRING DIY STEM TOY (4 pack): these robot kits for kids to build will create an enjoyable learning experience and great satisfaction building their own electric motor kit. Create a circuit and let the fun begin.
• SCIENCE KIT FOR KIDS AGE 8-12: wonderful STEM projects kit gift for teens Age 8 Years and up. Includes 4 kits: Bubble machine, Graffiti doodling robot, Robotic car and Funny bicycle
• DEVELOPS IMPORTANT SKILLS: our kids science kit will encourage your kids to step into the world of mechanical, construction and engineering using problem solving and fine motor skills.
• GREAT FAMILY BONDING TIME: a complete educational robot set with 4 different kits of robot parts, designed gift box, screwdrivers that fit small hands and detailed step by step instruction manuals. Requires AA batteries (not included).
• 2Pepers STEM kit is the next generation of science toys. Response within 24 hours to any problem and a promise to solve any kind of issue. High quality, value for money guaranteed.

Product information

Product Dimensions	2.36 x 10.63 x 6.69 inches
Item Weight	1.04 pounds
ASIN	B07SSFVV13
Manufacturer recommended age	8 years and up
Best Sellers Rank	#52,870 in Toys & Games ( ) #554 in
Customer Reviews	4.2 out of 5 stars
Manufacturer	2Pepers

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FUN UNIQUE CRAFTS

We at 2Pepers are a "toy loving family", that specialized in creating fun educational crafts that encourage kid's creativity and imagination.

We are committed to provide special and high quality gifts for boys & girls for any occasion!

MAGICAL FUN DIY ARTS & CRAFTS

Make your own unicorn terrarium craft kit

Product Description

HANDS-ON STEM

• Great opportunity for children to get to know the world of electronic toys- In the end they really build their own robots!
• Encourage Kids to develop their creativity and imagination- Teaching them problem solving, fine motor skills and independent thinking in a unique and fun way with this STEM learning toys set.
• Fun in class or with family- Enriching young minds learning scientific principles, whether it's with their classmates or during family bonding time.

THE NEXT GENERATION OF SCIENCE TOYS

This STEM kits set has it all!

4 different kinds of robot games for kids 8-12. Unique, special and more exciting than any other toy.

The ultimate combination of both fun and STEM activities.

4 DIY ROBOTIC KITS

USE THE REMOTE CONTROL AND DRIVE THE DC MOTOR VEHICLE BACK AND FORTH!	HAVE FUN MAKING YOUR OWN BUBBLES!	CREATES SKETCHES AND GRAFFITI!	CHANGING THE RELATIVE ANGLES OF THE FRONT WHEELS TO GET DIFFERENT MOVING EFFECTS!

PERFECT GIFT RECOMMENDED FOR ANY OCCASION

Are you trying to find a fun, unique and inspiring gift for kids age 8 years and up?

Let us help you!

2Pepers DIY electric motor robotics for kids is exactly what you're looking for.

A complete educational robot set with 4 different kits of robot parts, designed gift box, screwdrivers that fit small hands and detailed step by step instruction manuals.

Great for Birthday gift, Christmas gift, Children's day gift etc.

What's in the box?

• 4 DIY mini motor Robotic kits.
• Well written instruction manuals.
• Screwdrivers in every kit (4).
• Gift package.

Customer Reviews
Recommended Ages	4+ years	5+ years	6+ years	4+ years	4+ years
Topics Covered	Arts and Crafts	Arts and Crafts	Arts and Crafts	Arts and Crafts	Arts and Crafts

What's in the box

• DIY mini motor Robotic kits, well written instruction manuals, screwdrivers and gift package.

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Trash product - poor parts poor instructions

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Customer reviews.

• 5 star 4 star 3 star 2 star 1 star 5 star 63% 16% 10% 5% 6% 63%
• 5 star 4 star 3 star 2 star 1 star 4 star 63% 16% 10% 5% 6% 16%
• 5 star 4 star 3 star 2 star 1 star 3 star 63% 16% 10% 5% 6% 10%
• 5 star 4 star 3 star 2 star 1 star 2 star 63% 16% 10% 5% 6% 5%
• 5 star 4 star 3 star 2 star 1 star 1 star 63% 16% 10% 5% 6% 6%

Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.

To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.

Customers say

Customers like the build quality of the product. They mention it's a great STEM toy and fun for kids. However, some customers have reported issues with the instructions, functionality, and sturdiness. They say the parts are flimsy and the material is not worth the price tag. Customers also have issues with size and disagree on the educational value.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

Customers are satisfied with the build quality of the product. They mention it's a nice toy to build and play with. Some say the robot kits were a huge success and they will love this hands-on STEM kit.

"...The robot kits were a huge success and kept him busy for a week...." Read more

"The projects were excellent , good value for money. The directions looked like a poor translation." Read more

"...It comes with 4 complete sets including the tool for each one. Super cool to build , but one of the motors on the bubble machine didn't work and..." Read more

" Amazing product ! Bubble machine and other robots are fun and it’s a productive way to get the kids a little off the screen these days!..." Read more

Customers find the science fundamentals kit fun for kids. They mention it's a great activity, exciting, and gets their attention for hours. Some say the projects are cool and easy to follow. Overall, customers say the kit is satisfying and keeps them busy for a week.

"This was fun and educational. My 8 year old son loved it ." Read more

"...The robot kits were a huge success and kept him busy for a week ...." Read more

"...the knowledge that he can and will build a robot at home, wow very exciting . Our family parents an children interact and teach ...." Read more

"...So the idea is great ! But this set has the flimsiest pieces I haven't seen even to come from China in 20 years...." Read more

Customers appreciate the gift value of the science fundamentals kit. They mention it's a great gift for creative kids, a special toy, and an exciting package.

"...And there are four different robots so it really is a very very nice gift !" Read more

"...tool for children who like working with their hands, and awesome gift idea !" Read more

" Very giftable . Purchased for our 6 year old Grandson who loves these kind of experiment type learning gifts...." Read more

"...It’s very special and got my kids’ attention for hours!" Read more

Customers have mixed opinions about the educational value of the science fundamentals kit. Some mention it's a great way to build troubleshooting skills and a clear progression of skill as one moves from one kit to the next. Others say it'll frustrate even an adult and is terrible for kids.

"This was fun and educational . My 8 year old son loved it ." Read more

"There is no way a kid could build this . The instructions are really vague where you have to use common sense for many things...." Read more

"...Kids will need help deciphering, but it’s great way to build troubleshooting skills ...." Read more

"This is not a good product and I have no idea who would write the 14 reviews before me to say that it is...." Read more

Customers have negative opinions about the quality of the instructions for the science fundamentals kit. They mention the parts are super tiny and require doing steps over and over again. Some customers also say the pictures are wrong.

"...There was a *bit* of backtracking, so the instructions could have been clearer (not as good as say, the kits you get with Kiwicrate)...." Read more

"...We had to readjust it several times, because the instruction pictures were wrong . Finally the robot was done...." Read more

"...We put together one of the kits. The instructions are ok , but I doubt a younger child could understand them without assistance...." Read more

"...A kid wouldn’t know what to do. Not kid friendly instructions at all . The pieces are so tiny and flimsy that a kid cannot put these together...." Read more

Customers are dissatisfied with the functionality of the science fundamentals kit. They mention the motor doesn't work, the front wheels don't function properly, and the remote car will never work. Some also say the bubble robot doesn't turn on and one of the projects was dead on arrival.

"...A couple people have mentioned the front wheels not working right ...." Read more

"...The fourth the put together put it didn’t work . Something was probably not connected right. But they had fun. The girls were 9...." Read more

"...Holes are as small as an eye of a needle. The contraption does not turn on ...." Read more

"...For these reasons, I give it a 4-star rating. Each of the 4 projects worked well , and all parts were included...." Read more

Customers are dissatisfied with the sturdiness of the science fundamentals kit. They mention the parts are poor quality, flimsy, and not well-made. Some say the remote car will never work and the material is not molded well.

"...The problem is that the box arrived damaged and one of the kits, the bubble maker, looked as though it had been put together before...." Read more

"...So the idea is great! But this set has the flimsiest pieces I haven't seen even to come from China in 20 years...." Read more

"...Not kid friendly instructions at all. The pieces are so tiny and flimsy that a kid cannot put these together...." Read more

"...which was awesomeIt’s a good quality kit with lots of creative options that could make a great gift for both boys and girls..." Read more

Customers are dissatisfied with the size of the science fundamentals kit. They mention some parts are very small, even for their little hands. Some say the parts don't fit well together, are too tight or too loose.

"... Many don't fit well together , way too tight or too loose. The instructions are unclear to say the least...." Read more

"... These are so small that I doubt that a child *could* choke on them.* There's no method to attach wires to motor terminals. No connectors...." Read more

"Our grandson loved this kit. Some parts are very small , even for his little hand...." Read more

Reviews with images

Tiny pieces, not for 8+, needed adult help, did not work. The motors worked but the robot did not.

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